Tuesday Takeaways
Lamar Jackson is a step below Mahomes, Wilson, Rogers
Everyone is aware now. Baltimore hasn’t shown an ability to come from behind in games at all. The Ravens are still a great team, Lamar Jackson is still an excellent young quarterback. But there is something to be said about how Lamar functions in that offense. Their run game is out of this world, and that coupled with Lamar’s playmaking ability opens up other avenues for scoring like play action, short to intermediate passing concepts, and second reaction plays. But when the team is down 10, or 17, or 21, when the defense knows you are trying to throw it downfield, that’s where your skills as a passer are really tested. That is where your true abilities as a quarterback shine through. Last night proved that while Lamar is great, he’s not yet on the level of Pat Mahomes, Russell Wilson or Aaron Rogers.
The Bills are the real deal
The Bills are the real deal. Josh Allen is the real deal. I doubted and hated and he has completely proven me wrong. There are times where he lets balls get away from him, sometimes sailing wide open receivers. He could do without those. But besides a couple of those a game, the dude is a baller. He’s elusive in and out of the pocket, he’s hard to bring down, and he has a huge arm. Combine that talent with an excellent coaching staff and a top 3 defense in the NFL, and you’re a force to be reckoned with.
Russel Wilson is in clear lead for MVP
It’s only been 3 weeks, but to suggest anyone other than #3 for MVP would be foolish. He’s been on an absolute tear, breaking the record set by Pat Mahomes in 2018 for most touchdowns through 3 games with 14. Meanwhile, he’s completing 76% of his passes with a passer rating of 139. Obviously winning in the regular season is a big part of the award, and the Seahawks look like the cream of the crop in the NFC. Wilson is on pace to throw over 70 touchdowns this season. It’s likely going to be nowhere near that number, but if he gets close to touching the 50 TD club, and the Seahawks have at least 12 wins, Russ is a shoe in for the award.
The Patriots are fringe contenders
New England is performing at a very high level on both sides of the ball. Their defense is stout again, despite multiple opt-outs. They run the ball well with a multitude of backs and their offensive line has remained to stay somewhat healthy. Cam Newton has impressed me in every game this year, but mostly against the Seahawks. He showed an ability to distribute the ball with patience and poise, albeit against the worst statistical pass defense in the league. Not to mention they are coached by the greatest football coach to ever live. I feel like they are lacking a deep threat in the passing game for Cam, but watch out for this team late in the season.
Dan Quinn needs to be fired now
I thought he should have been canned after that onside kick nonsense against Dallas. After the second straight game where they blew multiple touchdown leads, things are uncomfortable in Atlanta. If I was owner Arthur Blank, I would fire head coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff before halloween. If he hasn’t already made calls to interview replacements, he should get on that.
